Chapters 89 and 90

By: Asa Montreaux

Chapter 89: Goodbye… For Now

The end of the school year arrived swiftly, a whirlwind of packing and goodbyes that filled the dorms with a blend of excitement and nostalgia. Hugh stood by his bed, staring at the clutter of clothes, books, and magical trinkets scattered around him. The walls of their shared dorm room felt oddly bare as he packed away the remnants of the year—his wand, the charms he had crafted, and the notes filled with incantations that had once felt so intimidating.

Eliza sat cross-legged on her bed, meticulously folding her clothes into neat piles. She glanced over at Hugh, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Are you sure you have everything?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. “I mean, it would be a shame to leave behind your prized collection of spellbooks.”

Hugh chuckled, shaking his head. “I think I can survive without the entire library,” he replied, lifting a tattered book on elemental spells. “Besides, I’m planning on visiting the library at home to check out a few new titles.”

“Good idea!” Eliza’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “You can show me all the new things you’ve learned when I visit you this summer.”

The words hung in the air between them, electrifying and full of promise. Hugh’s heart raced at the thought of Eliza coming to his home, their laughter echoing through his favorite spaces, sharing stories under the stars. “I can’t wait,” he said, a grin breaking across his face. “We’ll have so much fun. And I’ll show you the best pizza place in town.”

“Deal!” Eliza replied, her smile radiant. “Just don’t forget to warn your parents about my extraordinary magic abilities. They might not be ready for that!”

As they continued packing, the atmosphere in the dorm was lively. Students joked and shared stories, the camaraderie of shared experiences evident in every corner. The threat of Crimson Dawn felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the excitement of summer adventures and plans.

“Have you heard about the normal exams?” Mish chimed in, her face scrunched up in annoyance as she shoved a stack of papers into her bag. “We barely had time to study with everything going on!”

“Right? I’ve been cramming like crazy,” Sam replied, rummaging through his belongings. “I think I’ll just use a few spells to help me with the last-minute review. Nothing like a little magical boost!”

Hugh nodded in agreement. “We’ve got this. We just need to focus. I mean, after all the chaos we faced this year, a few normal exams should be a piece of cake.”

Eliza laughed, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Speak for yourself! I still need to get through math, and that’s a whole different kind of magic.”

As the clock ticked down to the departure time, the students began fitting in their last-minute study sessions. The library buzzed with the frantic energy of students flipping through notes and practicing spells. Hugh and Eliza found a quiet corner, where they settled down to review their notes.

Hugh’s mind was half on their studies and half on the upcoming summer. He could hardly contain his excitement at the thought of spending more time with Eliza, showing her around his town and sharing the experiences that shaped him. The prospect felt like a new adventure waiting to unfold, a chance to deepen their bond.

“Okay, what’s next?” Eliza asked, snapping Hugh out of his daydream. She held up a flashcard labeled “Transfiguration.”

“Let’s tackle it,” Hugh replied, leaning in closer as they worked through the intricacies of the spell together. Time slipped by, and before they knew it, the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue across the library.

Once their study session concluded, Hugh gathered his things, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I think we’re ready,” he declared, confidence bubbling within him.

“Fingers crossed!” Eliza responded, standing up and stretching. “Now we just need to get through the exams without losing our minds.”

After a few more hours of intense cramming, the group wrapped up their final preparations. As the last students completed their packing, the atmosphere shifted from one of study to anticipation.

On the morning of their last exams, students shuffled out of their dorms, excitement palpable in the air. The halls echoed with laughter and good-natured teasing as they made their way to the examination hall. Hugh walked alongside Eliza, Mish, and Sam, feeling a sense of camaraderie that had only deepened over the past months.

The exams themselves were a blur of stress and focus, but somehow, Hugh and his friends emerged victorious. As they handed in their final papers, relief flooded through Hugh. He glanced at Eliza, her eyes bright with determination. They had made it through.

With exams behind them, students gathered outside the school, their laughter ringing in the air. As they waited for their trains, Hugh took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, cherishing the bonds they had forged through the trials they faced together.

The sound of trains approaching filled the air, and students began lining up, ready to head home for the summer. Hugh’s heart raced with anticipation and nervousness as he realized this would be the first summer he would spend with Eliza by his side.

“I’ll text you when I get home,” Eliza said, a playful smile on her lips as she turned to him. “And I’ll be counting down the days until I come to visit.”

“Same here,” Hugh replied, feeling a warmth spread through him. As the train doors opened, they exchanged one last smile before stepping into their respective cars, ready to embark on their summer adventures.

As the train pulled away from the station, Hugh glanced back at the school, memories flooding his mind. The challenges they had faced together, the friendships they had forged, and the love that had blossomed between him and Eliza—all of it had shaped him in ways he could never have imagined.

As the train picked up speed, Hugh settled into his seat, excitement coursing through him. Summer awaited, full of endless possibilities and the promise of new adventures with Eliza. And though the shadows of their past would always linger, he knew they were stronger together, ready to face whatever came next.

Chapter 90: Home for the Summer

As the train rattled along the tracks, Hugh settled into the rhythm of the journey, watching the landscape blur past his window. Fields of golden wheat swayed in the breeze, punctuated by the occasional splash of wildflowers, a stark contrast to the chaos of the past months. With each mile, he felt a growing sense of reflection, the weight of his first year at The Andrews School settling on his shoulders like a comfortable cloak.

It had been a year unlike any other. Hugh thought back to the day he first stepped through the grand entrance of the school, nervous and uncertain, clutching his acceptance letter like a lifeline. He remembered the wide-eyed awe he had felt, the rush of magic in the air that had ignited a spark of possibility within him. The lessons had challenged him, the friendships had deepened, and the battles they had fought against Crimson Dawn had tested the very limits of his courage.

Hugh's mind drifted to the memories he had forged with his friends—Mish’s fiery determination, Sam’s infectious humor, and Eliza’s unwavering support. They had faced unimaginable dangers together, weaving spells and strategies that saved countless lives. Yet, amidst the turmoil of war, it was the quiet moments that lingered most in his heart: studying in the library, sharing secrets under starlit skies, and the way Eliza’s laughter echoed like music in the air.

His thoughts turned to Eliza, and a warm glow spread through him. Their connection had blossomed into something beautiful, something he had never expected. She had challenged him, encouraged him, and brought out the best in him in ways he could hardly articulate. Hugh could still feel the warmth of her hand in his, the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, and the quiet strength she possessed that gave him confidence.

As the train wound its way home, Hugh realized how much he would miss her and the rest of his friends over the summer. The thought of being apart felt like a bittersweet ache in his chest. They had shared so much, forged bonds that transcended the ordinary. “I’ll be counting down the days,” he whispered to himself, a promise echoing in his heart.

He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes as the memories replayed in his mind. The adventures, the laughter, the tears—all of it was woven together like a tapestry that told their story. Each thread represented a moment that had shaped him, a reminder of who he was and who he was becoming.

But the shadow of Crimson Dawn lingered still. Hugh had felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, knowing that the fight against dark forces was far from over. They had pushed back the threat for now, but he understood that the battle was ongoing. There would be more challenges, more enemies, and more tests of their resolve. And yet, he felt an unshakeable belief that they were ready, that they could rise to whatever challenges awaited them.

As the train neared his destination, Hugh took a deep breath, grounding himself in the moment. The sounds of laughter and chatter filled the car as students shared their own reflections on the year. He smiled, knowing that they, too, would carry these memories with them into the summer.

The train finally pulled into the station, and the familiar sights of his hometown came into view. With a mixture of excitement and apprehension, he gathered his things and stepped off the train. The air was fresh, invigorating, a reminder that while this chapter was closing, another was just beginning.

Hugh took a moment to soak in his surroundings, feeling gratitude swell within him. This year had changed him, molded him into someone stronger and more confident. He had found friends who were like family, discovered powers he had only dreamed of, and learned the true meaning of bravery. 

With a smile tugging at his lips, he set off down the platform, eager to embrace the summer and all its possibilities. The horizon stretched out before him, full of promise and adventure, and he knew that no matter where life led him, he would carry the magic of this year in his heart forever.

And as he stepped into the sunlight, he couldn’t help but look forward to the next time he would see Eliza, knowing that together, they would continue to weave their story, one filled with love, friendship, and a little bit of magic.

The End!